Nissan Navara vs Volkswagen Amarok
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 23 Oct 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$53,348RRP
- no option data for this car
$55,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Nissan Navara & Volkswagen Amarok
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Navara starts from $53,348 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Nissan Navara the more affordable entry point by $2,642.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,683 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan Navara and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Navara, against 3 on the Volkswagen Amarok.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Nissan Navara and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Recalls on our record
Nissan Navara
- REC-001598 · published 7 May 2021The child restraint system (CRS) top tethers may not be strong enough to keep a child seat securely fastened and may break during an accident.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001113 · published 25 Oct 2018An internal ignition switch spring may have been manufactured with a surface defect.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2017
- REC-001101 · published 8 Aug 2016In the rear oxygen sensor electrical short-to-ground or short-to-battery, the sensor fails, but a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Engine Light warning does not illuminate.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2016
- 3 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Amarok
- REC-006441 · published 30 Sep 2025Due to a software issue, the electromechanical brake servo control unit may switch off.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006190 · published 26 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver's seat belt may have been incorrectly anchored.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005838 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear driveshaft bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production and could become loose and detach.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Navara features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Navara gets fabric upholstery while the Volkswagen Amarok offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Navara uses a Diesel producing 150kW and 470Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels.
The Nissan Navara has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Navara measures 5,320mm long on a 3,130mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Amarok generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.7m to 12.8m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,195/year for the Nissan Navara and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Navara.
Warranty: 5 years (Nissan Navara) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Navara if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (76 vs 76). The Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Nissan Navara will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Nissan Navara is the cheapest at $53,348 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $2,642.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Navara uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Navara has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Navara makes the most power at 150kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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